Ciao! Cece?

I’ve seen it argued that the most important dish in a meal is the dessert. This argument is akin to the idea that it’s best to have the last word in a debate, it is what people leave remembering. I think there’s a lot of truth to this thought, in both debates and meals, but the alternative assertion, that the first statement in a debate sets the terms, also has an element of truth and, in turn, the first thing served at a meal sets the terms for the meal.

Fortunately, at a meal, the cook can set the terms of the debate as well as making the last arugument. When I have a dinner party, or teach a cooking class for that matter, I like to have a munchy or two sitting out for people to snack on as they arrive. It gives them something to do right off the bat, covers my ass if I run late on the meal, and a well-chosen canapé or hors d’oeuvre sets the tone for the rest of the meal.

At a meal, the cook can set the terms of the debate as well as making the last arugument.

I haven’t posted many recipes for appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, or canapé because I seldom have time to take photos when I’m hosting a party or teaching a class. The number of such recipes certainly doesn’t reflect the number of such dishes I’ve made over the past four years. But I taught a class on Italian cooking last week and began with this recipe. When I had un-cooked cece left-over I brought them home and made a small batch. Too small a batch, sadly, because I could have easily eaten an entire can’s worth.

They’re so easy to do that even making them at the very last minute is practical, which is good because they’re best when eaten still warm from the skillet. They’re also messy — a greasy finger food — so provide plenty of cocktail napkins.

Cece Fritos (Fried Chickpeas)

2 cans chick peas/garbanzos (15oz cans)
1/4 c olive oil
2 tsp garlic powder
3 tbsp thyme leaves
1 1/2 tsp cumin
salt and pepper to taste

Drain, rinse, and dry the chick peas. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chick peas and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until the peas begin to pop.

Drain chick peas on a paper towel and sprinkle with seasonings, taste, and adjust seasonings.

Technorati: Food | recipe | kevin weeks | seriously good | appetizer | munchy | chickpeas | garbanzos | italian

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